SCWS News
A Monthly Newsletter - December 2022
SC Whitmore's Got Talent 2022
A message from our school leaders.
"We have made it to December! Make sure you plan ahead as we have an extended learning break this month. Read the entire newsletter so you don't miss out on announcements, groups, and important testing information. Please make sure you reach out if you need any assistance!"
Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Dunbar
"December is a busy, short month for SCWS. Winter Break is near. Seniors are finishing up the semester and EOC exam week is taking place the week of December 12th. Thank you students for working so hard throughout the year. To the seniors that are graduating this winter, remember the deadline to finish all courses is December 16th! Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need support or have questions. We are here for you!"
Possip
Your voice matters! We need to hear what's working for you and what you need. This year we will send routine text messages and emails with a few simple questions asking for feedback on your experience with school. You will receive these messages from Possip, an organization we have partnered with to learn your needs. We are excited to hear from you via Possip this school year!
Counselor's Corner
Counselor Updates
Counselor Updates
It is never too early to…
Start visiting colleges
Apply for scholarships
Work ahead of pace in your courses
Meet with your counselor or teachers
Investigate SchooLinks for career information
Please tune-in to SC Whitmore School’s Social Media for tons of upcoming college events and scholarship opportunities!
Check out the following:
Interview with a health science professional
Students taking the ACT or SAT:
The ACT or SAT may be required as a part of the 4 year college acceptance process or towards certain scholarships. If you plan to take the ACT or SAT, you may want to consider taking our ACT or SAT Prep courses to help you do your very best.
Making Yourself More Attractive for Employment or College:
- Work on your typing speed and accuracy.
- Increase your reading speed and comprehension.
- Prepare yourself for assessments such as ACT or SAT via our ACT/SAT Prep Courses.
2022 - 2023 ACT Test Dates -
SCWS School Testing Dates - March 7th - March 9th, 2023
*SCWS ACT testing is only for third-year students.
2022 - 2023 SAT Test Dates -
SCWS School Testing Date - March 1st, 2023
*SCWS SAT testing is only for third-year students.
Looking to sign up for the ACT or SAT outside of the SCWS testing dates? Check out the national ACT and SAT websites.
Important Dates/Events for December
Course Drops:
Please remember that all course drops must be done within 5 days of starting a course. Those falling outside of the 5 days may impact your transcript and GPA.
Dual Enrollment
Are you an 11th or 12th grader looking to earn college credit while in high school?
- We are excited to announce a new partnership with the University of South Carolina Union (USC Union), which will allow SCWS students to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree online by the time they graduate from high school. Read more about the partnership and how to sign up here: https://bit.ly/SCWSUnion
Learn more about dual enrollment at Piedmont Technical College
Electronic Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Longer videos on Health Care and EMT from our PTC Live Series.
Dialogue Virtual Mental Health Counseling
SC Whitmore School has partnered with Dialogue, a virtual mental health counseling program that is FREE to students. They offer help with anxiety, depression, grief, and much more. If you have more questions click here to learn more about Dialogue, and how to sign up.
Free Tutoring
Tutor.com offers real-time tutoring to K-12 students in Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, etc. The South Carolina State Library provides the service for free. The student can quickly connect with a tutor using the “Connect with a tutor now” option, or they can create a free tutor.com account to drop off a math question, submit a paper for review, or connect with their favorite tutor. Creating an account is optional and is not needed if using the “Connect with a tutor now” option.https://lhh-tutor-com.scsl.idm.oclc.org/Landing.aspx
Username: discus2023
Password: read1!
Scholarships
Check out https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships.php for lots of scholarship opportunities.
Courage Essay Contest
Do you love to write? The 2022 - 2023 Profile in Courage Essay Contest is now open! Learn more about the contest requirements and deadlines, and information about how you can incorporate the essay into your curriculum. The contest deadline is January 13, 2023.
Hampton Wildlife Fund
High School Seniors, look into these scholarship opportunities! The deadline to apply is January 31, 2023.
Join us as we learn FAFSA Information from Piedmont Technical College. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/SCWSJanuary23
Charleston Southern University
Scholarship for visiting campus!
Prospective students have an opportunity to receive $1,000 after touring Charleston Southern University, the Lowcountry’s only Christian higher education institution. The $1,000 Tour Treasure Grant is provided to a student if they attend an official visit such as a personal tour, Saturday Session, or First Look event with the Office of Admissions between July 2022 and August 2023. To be eligible, a student must enroll as a first-time freshman or transfer student in the fall 2023 term, submit the 2023-2024 FAFSA, and live anywhere in the world outside of Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties.
With a 300-acre campus nestled in the center of the Charleston metro area, CSU enrolls close to 3,400 students from 43 states and 40 countries. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs, 20 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs. CSU also competes at the NCAA Division I level with 16 teams in the Big South Conference.
Students interested in a campus visit and the $1,000 Tour Treasure Grant may sign up below.
For your seniors, our Fall 2023 application is open and FREE! We are also on the Common App,
and there is a $26 application fee to apply through the Common App. Please fill out the application as soon as you are able and one of the Enrollment Counselors will reach out to help them with the next steps towards becoming an official Buccaneer!
Presbyterian College Opportunities:
FALL 2023 APP IS OPEN!
Please encourage your students to apply to PC. The Fall 2023 application is open, and it's free to apply. Your students can apply by using the Common App or our application. Read
more here.
A SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN IN YOUR NAME
You can nominate a student for the 1880 Student Referral Program Scholarship, a $1,880 scholarship awarded annually for up to four years. You must nominate the student before the student is accepted. The student will receive a scholarship IN YOUR NAME if the student enrolls at PC. You can nominate as many students as you'd like. Nominate now.
$100,000 BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Palmetto Boys State and Girls State students automatically qualify for a $100,000 scholarship ($25,000/year over four years). But they must apply by our Early Action
deadline on December 1. Please encourage your Palmetto Boys State and Girls State students to apply if they haven't already. Apply here.
FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Your service-minded students with entrepreneurial spirits also have a chance to receive a full-ride scholarship. Our Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship Competition gives your students the chance to solve a problem in their community ... for a chance to earn a full ride to PC! Read more here.
A FREE AND USEFUL TOOL FOR YOU
Serve your students with a free tool called Slate.org. You can add events for colleges and universities to attend, view applicant decisions, upload transcripts through a secure portal,
and more. Visit Slate.org to get started.
PSSCA Student Scholarship
The Palmetto State School Counselor Association awards multiple scholarships to high school seniors of up to $1,000.00. This is a non-renewable scholarship to assist with post-secondary education costs
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school senior.
- Must be a permanent resident of the state of South Carolina.
- Must plan to attend a post-secondary institution during the 2023-2024 school year.
Please follow the link below to learn more about the scholarship and how to apply. The deadline to apply has been extended to December 7, 2022. Winners will be selected and notified by January 21, 2023.
PSSCA Student Scholarship Application:
Step 1: Click - https://pssca.schoolcounselorawards.org/scoy/other-awards
Step 2: Log In
Step 3: Scroll to PSSCA Student Scholarships
Step 4: Click on PSSCA Scholarships Application 2023
Opportunities
TESTING UPDATES
Check out the Testing Tuesday Podcast with Mr. Bowers on our social media platforms!
Sign up here!
Please watch this important message from our Principal about upcoming EOC testing.
November 2022 STUDENT ALL - STARS
How do you become a Student All-Star?
Each month the SC Whitmore School Faculty and Staff identifies 4 students that really stand out. The student All-Stars will receive a $100 reward. These students are: most improved, best all-around, monthly standout, and the SCWS All-Star.
Most Improved - Cassidy Gulley
A student who has shown an increased effort in their course(s).
SCWS All-Star - Patrick Biefeld
A student who has done well in their courses and engages with the teachers.
Best All-Around - Larson Thomason
A student who has consistently demonstrated their ability to earn great grades and stays on pace. this student is also engaged, reaches out for help, and shows up to one-to-one meetings.
Monthly Standout - Isabella Burnett
A student who has shown tremendous efforts this month overall.
Staff Spotlight
Victoria Xavier, Special Education Teacher
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Watch reality shows in my native language.
Tell a little bit about your background.
I am from India. I had my school and college education from my home country. I have been teaching in the US since 2005. I joined SCWS in 2013.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I am a Special education teacher here. I love working with my students one-on-one.
What do you want the students to know about you?
Never hesitate to reach out to me for any kind of help. I am here to serve you to bring out the best in you.
Learn why SCWS was a good fit for, Lillie, Class of 2022.
MEET THE STUDENT RESOURCE COORDINATOR
My name is Mrs. Miller. I am the school’s Student Resource Coordinator. I am excited to be working with you all this upcoming year!
Experience: I am originally from Massachusetts, and made South Carolina my home in 2017. I received my masters degree in educational counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. I previously worked as a graduation coach, school counselor, social worker, case coordinator, crisis counselor, and therapist. I am honored to be able to serve the state of South Carolina in providing social support services to our students and their families. I am here for YOU!
As your Student Resource Coordinator, I will be working alongside students, parents, teachers, administration, school counselors, and other supportive staff to deliver individualized social support services.
Some of the services I provide include:
• Assessing your student’s overall well being, including any potential mental health needs.
• Communication and consultation with you and your family, your student’s teachers, and other supportive services for monitoring your student’s progress.
• Identifying barriers that may be hindering your student’s education and/or connecting you and your family with community resources to ensure basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing are being met.
• Providing trauma informed individual and group counseling services.
• Providing monthly life skills groups.
• Psycho-education for parents and teachers.
Contact: cmiller@scwhitmoreschool.org (803) 216-1721 (call or text)
Resources: COMMUNITY RESOURCES FIND A COUNSELOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGENCIES
Mrs. Miller will be offering several groups this year for students to attend virtually. Groups will be one hour. Click here to share which groups you may be interested in attending. Call/Text Mrs.Miller, School Resource Coordinator, at (803) 216-1721, with any questions!
Clubs
Beta Club is a group of students committed to leading through serving others in their community and state. These students are selected based upon their GPA, attendance and behavior. Students work to complete volunteer hours, as well as come together as a team to complete a service project. Induction Ceremony is held in the fall.
Coding Club
elsif youAreInterestedIn == “Sharing a software or hardware project you are working on.” print “Come to coding club.”
elsif youAreInterestedIn == “Learning about the language this part of the description is written in.” print “Come to coding club.” End
curiousabout = {‘Ruby’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘Python’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘C++’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘BASIC’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘JavaScript’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘other’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’}
reasons_for_not_coming_to_coding_club = nil
Lit Lunch is a virtual meet-up for creative students who want to meet new friends and share what latest creative project they’re working on. Whether you’re into cosplay, digital art, drawing by hand, photography, rapping, writing or playing instruments, this is the space for you! We meet on the first Thursday of each month from 1-2 p.m
The SC Whitmore National Honor Society is an organization for students in grades 10-12. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Members complete volunteer hours and work together to complete at least one service project each school year. Membership into the National Honor Society allows students to apply for over 400 college scholarships not available to other students. Members also have access to numerous college planning services.
S.C. Whitmore Student Council is an organization of student leaders who are elected by the student body. The Council is led by the Student Body President along with offices of Vice President and Secretary. The Council provides input into how to make student life better at SC Whitmore School. They also plan events and contribute in other areas the administration of the school sees fit. The Council is advised by a faculty sponsor who attends all meetings.
Students are eligible to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities at their local high school. Contact your local high school for more information.
Do you love hot cocoa?☕️ Sign up for Cookies and Cocoa with Counselors. Come with your favorite cookie and we will send you a $5 Dunkin Donuts digital gift card to buy hot cocoa. Make sure you RSVP by November 16th! We will have games, activities, and prizes! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Dec2022RSVP
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Dec2022RSVP
Join us for a Food Tour in Downtown Columbia as we taste delicious Southern Cuisines! The first 12 students will be able to attend. This will be a walking tour. Students must be able to meet SCWS faculty and staff for the tour, transportation will not be provided. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Dec2022RSVP
In-Person Charleston Trip! We are going on a Carriage Tour and to lunch! January 9th
Join us for a historic carriage tour of downtown Charleston and lunch! The first 12 students will be able to attend. Students must be able to meet SCWS faculty and staff for the tour, transportation will not be provided. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Jan2023RSVPAre you looking to learn more about SC Whitmore School? Sign up for our information session today! Our goal is to give students, parents and counselors across SC the opportunity to speak with the faculty and staff at SCWS, ask questions and fully understand how we serve high school students in South Carolina. We are excited to meet you virtually! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/SCWSJanuary23
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/SCWSJanuary23
National School Choice Week Statehouse Rally. January 25th - 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
National School Choice Week celebrates great students and great schools in South Carolina. You're invited to be part of the celebration as we return to Columbia for a student showcase and statehouse rally on January 25th, 2023! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/SCWSJanuary23
How to Access the SCWS Library!
Attention, students! We are proud to announce the launch of the brand new SCWS library! This library is completely free and completely virtual and offers hundreds of e-books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and texts in Spanish.
See this flyer for information on how to download the Sora app and access the SCWS library titles. See also Dr. White's video on how to use the app once it's downloaded.
Please contact Dr. White at jwhite@scwhitmoreschool.org with any questions or concerns. Happy reading!
Please help support our school by registering to support SCWS as a Publix Partner. Click here to learn more.
Who should I contact?
If you have any questions feel free to contact the office directly at 866-476-6416. Or you can contact these individuals for your specific question.
Office: SC Whitmore School
General questions. The office will be able to point you in the right direction.
866-476-6416 - office@scwhitmoreschool.org
SC Whitmore Principal: Ebone' Adams
General student concerns.
803-768-8310 - eadams@scwhitmoreschool.org
Director of Compliance: Michelle Bishop
Questions about compliance, Special Education, 504 or IEP.
803-768-8306 - mbishop@scwhitmoreschool.org
Enrollment Coordinator: Pam Chick
Questions about re-enrollment or enrollment status.
866-476-6416 - pchick@scwhitmoreschool.org
Attendance Specialist: Christine Featherstone
Questions about attendance.
(803) 768-8300 - cfeatherstone@scwhitmoreschool.org
Director of School Counseling: Amber Goff
Questions about your courses, graduation requirements, and plans after graduation.
Please call or text the numbers below.
Amber Goff - 803-768-8314 - email: agoff@scwhitmoreschool.org
Traylor Disbrow - A through F - 803-768-8302 - email: tdisbrow@scwhitmoreschool.org
Cameron DeLong - G through M - (803) 881-8077 - email: cdelong@scwhitmoreschool.org
JaQuette Gilbert - N through Z - 803-768-8305 - email: jgilbert@scwhitmoreschool.org
Testing Coordinator: Patrick Bowers
Questions about all things testing (SAT, ACT, EOC, WIN, PSAT)
803-786-8313 or email pbowers@scwhitmoreschool.org
Public Relations Manager: Ashten Latta
Questions about social media, newsletter, events, press releases, or do you have a story to tell?
803-768-8315 or email alatta@scwhitmoreschool.org